Common ABS Pump Failures: Signs And Signs Of Trouble!
The ABS pump is a vital part of many modern braking systems. The ABS pump is a security element that can be found in most vehicles, as part of the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Find out here what are the common failures of the ABS pump.
All the parts of a car are prone to failure, it is something inevitable, but we can help you to know when it is already breaking down, in this way you will avoid being stranded on a road or worse still, having an accident.
What is the function of the ABS pump?
The entire system has been ingeniously designed to stop dangerous brake lockup under hard braking situations, preventing skidding, hydroplaning and loss of traction. It is especially important on hard, muddy terrain and difficult weather conditions, such as icy roads or torrential downpours, helping the driver to maintain full control of the vehicle.
How does the ABS system work?
Every ABS system is made up of the ABS pump and the ABS sensors , which are placed on each wheel. When braking, the ABS sensors detect the speed of the wheels and send a message to the ABS pump to activate quickly; that is, apply and disconnect the brakes, when the speed indicates that the vehicle is skidding or has lost traction.
If the ABS system is not working properly, your vehicle is likely to skid, hydroplan and lose traction under heavy braking conditions. The last time you want to find this out is when you need it most in tough conditions, which could lead to an accident on the road.
ABS pump common signs and faults
Fortunately, there are many signs that you need a replacement ABS pump. Without further ado, here are common ABS pump failures:
1- Brake pedal does not respond
Have you noticed that your brake pedal requires a little more effort than normal to depress it? This could be the first sign that you are having problems with your ABS pump.
If you also notice that your brakes aren’t responding like they used to, this could also be a red flag and a sign that you need to investigate. Don’t let it get to the point where you have to pump the brake pedal or push it all the way down to get little or no response from the brakes.
In short, as soon as you realize that there is something wrong with the brake pedal, seek professional help. Don’t leave it to the point that the brake starts not responding at all.
2- The brake pedal needs more force
The brake pedal in your car is designed to work with minimal effort and in a car with good ABS you should only need a light touch to activate the braking. If you start to notice that you need to push harder to get the same amount of braking force, then this could be a clear sign that the ABS pump is about to fail. Seek professional advice as soon as possible.
3- Lock the brakes
The purpose of an ABS system is to prevent the brakes from locking up in difficult conditions and situations, causing a high degree of traction. However, if the brakes lock up under normal driving conditions, this may be caused by a faulty ABS pump.
If you start to experience strange behavior from your brakes or notice random clicking or pumping noises from the brakes, these may be early indicators of this problem.
If the inconvenience turns into a wheel lock while driving, it’s time to go to the workshop. It is very likely that the ABS pump is faulty and needs to be replaced.
4- ABS light activated
This is the most obvious sign on our list, and is by far the most common sign and failure that the ABS pump is having trouble. On newer cars, look for a dedicated warning light that is usually orange or amber in color and has ABS marking on it. Older cars may use the check engine light to indicate problems with this system.
5- Speedometer failure
Your brakes may be having problems, but ABS failures could even cause problems with your speedometer, preventing you from seeing how fast your vehicle is going on the road.
In some rare cases, when the ABS pump fails or is faulty, this can also prevent the speedometer from working properly. It will show the wrong speed, or worse, it will show the car moving at 0 mph.
This can be accompanied by ABS activation or check engine lights, but even without a light, speedometer issues are a clear indication that you need to have your car checked out by a professional.
In conclusion
The problem of frequent ABS pump failures is one that demands immediate attention if you want to preserve the efficiency, handling and performance of your car. Keep an eye on this list of symptoms to make sure you avoid damage and accidents.
Once you have identified a possible problem with your ABS pump, then it is time to find a good mechanic and have the pump replaced as soon as possible . You’re probably running into a cost that could be anywhere from $500 to $2,000, including all parts and labor. Obviously, the factors that control this price will be the make and model of your vehicle, if the part is new, and the mechanic you use.
Of course, you can always shop around for the best price, but make sure you take action as driving with a faulty ABS pump can cost you much more in the long run.
